Second Language Acquisition (SLA)

Second Language Acquisition (SLA)

1. Stephen Krashen

   • All people acquire language the same way
     • Individual Variation
       • We learn language when we understand the message.
         • Krashen believes that we acquire language best when the information being told is understood. Words and grammar mean very little if the purpose of the language is not displayed.
     • Independent Learning
       • Observation of and listening to language
         • During the pre-production stage of SLA, there is little to no speech. This is known as the "silent period," and usually lasts about 6 weeks. A major amount of language is learned during this stage.

2. Jim Cummins

   • BICS
     • BICS (Basic Interpersonal Communicative Skills)- This acronym, created by Jim Cummins, describes the small amount of language learned in the early years of life.
     • Conversational Fluency
       • Conversational fluency represents one's ability to communicate socially.
   • Discreet Language Skills
     • Rule-governed aspects of language
       • Language consists of items that must be organized and rules that must be followed. These inclue phonics, grammar, and spelling.
   • CALP
     • CALP (Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency)- This acronym represents an ELL's ability to interpret and produce complex aspects of language (i.e. textbooks and other writings).
     • Academic Fluency
       • Along with one's ability to communicate socially, it is necessary for one to be able to interpret and produce information, therefore making him academically fluent.

3. Noam Chomsky

   • Universal Grammar
     • Chomsky believed that all languages were universal and are made of the same parts.
     • Nouns
     • Verbs
     • Adjectives

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